This initiative developed through a creative sentencing project in partnership with the Government of Alberta, young worker advocacy groups, and industry stakeholders, is dedicated to protecting young, new, and inexperienced workers. 

The purpose of this project is to equip industry with practical tools and resources to effectively integrate young and new workers into the workplace. Leveraging evidence-based research and best practices these resources help transition young and new workers from novices to confident, independent contributors. 

This is especially important in high-risk, fast-paced environments, where miscalculations in risk perception and tolerance can have serious, life-threatening consequences. The project aims to foster safer workplaces and empower the next generation of workers.

PROTECTING YOUNG, NEW & INEXPERIENCED WORKERS VIDEO SERIES and facilitation guide

A series of videos focused on injury prevention for this vulnerable grouping, starting with the “Worker Story”.

The Worker Story Video

This four-minute video honours the life of Zachary Smith, an 18-year-old worker who was fatally injured on the job. It demonstrates how this tragic event  not only impacts the lives of family and friends, but an entire community.

How to Use the Video & Facilitation Guide

1. Watch the Video
   Introduce your team to the Worker Story and its practical application in workplace problem-solving. 
   
   
2. Lead Team Discussions
   Use the Facilitation Guide to guide meaningful conversations. Help your team identify hazards and brainstorm effective solutions.
   
   
3. Apply What You’ve Learned
   Implement insights from the discussions to refine operations, improve safety and create a culture of continuous learning.

Coming Soon - Guidance Video Series

Learning-based guidance videos that show the perspectives of the Young, New and Inexperienced Worker, Supervisor or Mentor and Employer leadership regarding the various stages of competency in relation to critical risks.  

WORKER PROTECTION PROGRAM GUIDANCE

The worker protection program will act as a guidance for employers, operational employees, safety or human resources personnel that are tasked with recruiting and onboarding employees.  The program will provide tools (methods and templates) on how to apply or integrate the messaging and techniques demonstrated in the video series to start or enhance their existing onboarding, training and competency-based programs.

Events

Protecting Young, New and Inexperience Worker Forum

Date: April 23, 2025
Location: NAIT

Join us for a full-day forum dedicated to improving safety and supporting the development of young and inexperienced workers. This event will bring together young workers and supervisors to discuss the transition from novice to confident, competent employees.

Experts in psychology, risk perception, hazard identification and young worker education will share valuable insights on injury prevention and safety strategies. Attendees will help drive the development of new resources to protect this group on the worksite.